Death Is Swallowed Up in Victory!

The phone rang today. It was dad. He handed the phone over to my mom—which he often does, so I didn't think anything unusual. But then she said dad has cancer. My heart sank. I don't know how to process it exactly. 

Dad was is good spirits in spite of it. He used the cancer diagnosis as a witnessing opportunity to tell his doctor (a Mormon) that he was sure of his eternal destiny.  It reminds me of what the apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" 

Unlike many people, dad has assurance of his salvation. And that's also my consolation as well. Knowing that whatever happens, our eternal destiny is secure and sure. Praise the Lord! 

God has blessed my dad with a long life—he just turned 81 (cf. Psalm 90:10)—but of course I still want to see him healed. Whatever happens, God is still in control. And He is still good. 

As Christians, we need not fear death. To us, death is:

1. A step into the presence of Jesus (Phil. 1:21-23; 2 Cor. 5:8)

2. A servant ushering us into the presence of God (1 Cor. 3:21-22)

3. A shadow that cannot hurt us (Psalm 23:4)

4. A slain foe (1 Cor. 15:54-55; Heb. 2:14-15)